The draft process hasn’t officially kicked off yet, and we’re still roughly a few weeks away from learning which underclassmen will forego their college eligibility and declare for the 2014 NFL draft. However, I’ve decided to release an early look at my top 100 prospects in a four-part series.
It’s likely that these rankings will change some once the official declarations are made by underclassmen next month, and a lot over the next five months leading up to the draft. But this will give you a good look at the potential draft landscape and the prospects who could be available for your favorite NFL team in May.
In today's Part I, we'll take a look at prospects 100-76.
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+ Injured
*Denotes juniors
**Denotes redshirt sophomores
100. Jimmy Garoppolo ↑ (6-3, 222), QB, Eastern Illinois
When a quarterback throws for 53 touchdowns -- no matter the level of competition -- it’s going to get noticed. And NFL evaluators can’t help but recognize the skill set Garoppolo possesses. Featuring a strong arm, a quick release and pinpoint accuracy, Garoppolo has everything a team is looking for in a developmental signal caller. Teams will get a better look at Garoppolo during the draft process and will be able to determine how ready he is for the next level.
Prospect reflection: Brian Brohm (Louisville), 2008: Second round (56th overall) by Green Bay Packers
NFL
99. James White (5-10, 195), RB, Wisconsin
Known as a dynamic complementary back, White is a shifty yet deceptively strong runner who has a knack for making defenders miss between the tackles and in the open field.
Prospect reflection: Felix Jones (Arkansas), 2008: First round (22nd overall) by Dallas Cowboys
98. Anthony Steen (6-3, 309), OG, Alabama
A consistent presence on the offensive line, Steen goes unnoticed for the most part, but he uses his athleticism and strength to his advantage and is just a reliable performer in the trenches.
Prospect reflection: Zane Beadles (Utah), 2010: Second round (45th overall) by Denver Broncos
97. Tre Boston (6-1, 205), FS, North Carolina
An athletic, ball-hawking safety, Boston is a versatile defensive back who had played every position in the secondary before finding a home at free safety. He covers a large area and makes impact plays, but he has to take better angles in coverage and continue to improve his tackling technique.
Prospect reflection: Thomas DeCoud (California), 2008: Third round (98th overall) by Atlanta Falcons
96. *Carl Bradford (6-1, 243), OLB, Arizona State
A versatile, undersized defender, Bradford plays the game with a lot of intensity. He’s explosive off the edge and disruptive in the backfield.
Prospect reflection: Brooks Reed (Arizona), 2011: Second round (42nd overall) by Houston Texans
95. *Anthony Johnson (6-3, 294), DT, LSU
A quick interior force who plays with great leverage and uses his long arms and strength to beat the opposition, Johnson is still a work in progress and has to improve his technique.
Prospect reflection: Claude Wroten (LSU), 2006: Third round (68th overall) by St. Louis Rams
94. *Xavier Su’a-Filo (6-3, 304), OG, UCLA
Su’a-Filo is a hard-working, athletic and tough lineman who can play inside or outside, but he tends to struggle against quick penetrators.
Prospect reflection: Danny Watkins (Baylor), 2011: First round (23rd overall) by Philadelphia Eagles
93. Aaron Murray + (6-1, 208), QB, Georgia
Before he tore the ACL in his left knee there were mixed reviews on Murray, mainly because of his size and arm strength, but as far as intelligence, competitiveness and leadership skills, he ranks off the charts. Once he returns to full health, Murray will prove to be one of the biggest steals from this class.
Prospect reflection: Drew Brees (Purdue), 2001: Second round (32nd overall) by San Diego Chargers
92. Tyler Larsen (6-4, 312), C, Utah State
Larsen is an experienced interior lineman who plays with a great degree of athleticism and strength. He has the versatility to play center or guard, and his style is a perfect fit for a zone-blocking system.
Prospect reflection: Stefen Wisniewski (Penn State), 2011: Second round (48th overall) by Oakland Raiders
91. Terrence Brooks (5-11, 200), FS, Florida State
A heady, rangy and physical defensive back, Brooks has developed into a dependable defender and solid special teams performer.
Prospect reflection: Josh Bullocks (Nebraska), 2005: Second round (40th overall) by New Orleans Saints
90. Kyle Fuller + (6-0, 194), CB, Virginia Tech
A playmaking corner with lock-down ability, Fuller underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury in November but is expected to be ready to participate in all draft activities.
Prospect reflection: Jayron Hosley (Virginia Tech), 2012: Third round (94th overall) by New York Giants
89. Jared Abbrederis (6-2, 190), WR, Wisconsin
Abbrederis is a reliable pass catcher who is deceptively elusive and has the ability to make big plays. He’s not the fastest receiver, but he’s quick and efficient.
Prospect reflection: Brian Hartline (Ohio State), 2009: Fourth round (108th overall) by Miami Dolphins
88. Aaron Donald (6-0, 285), DT, Pittsburgh
Small in stature but as disruptive as any interior defender, Donald is a maximum effort, quick penetrator who makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Prospect reflection: Derek Landri (Notre Dame), 2007: Fifth round (166th overall) by Jacksonville Jaguars
87. E.J. Gaines (5-11, 195), CB, Missouri
Gaines is an athletic corner who has good recognition and cover skills but must improve his tackling technique and focus.
Prospect reflection: Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest), 2010: Third round (96th overall) by Cincinnati Bengals
86. Morgan Breslin + (6-2, 250), OLB, Southern Cal
A forceful defender who plays with a relentless motor, Breslin underwent hip surgery late in the season, and his stock has suffered since the injury. He could become a fast riser once he’s 100 percent -- teams will covet his intensity and versatility.
Prospect reflection: Mason Foster (Washington), 2011: Third round (84th overall) by Tampa Bay Buccaneers
85. Christian Jones ↑ (6-4, 235), ILB, Florida State
An athletic, explosive and versatile defender, Jones is a good pass rusher and solid against the run. He’s a bit undersized and has to work on his cover skills, but he could be an impact player down the road.
Prospect reflection: Daryl Washington (TCU), 2010: Second round (47th overall) by Arizona Cardinals
84. James Hurst (6-7, 305), OT, North Carolina
Hurst is a smart, athletic lineman who has a great frame and displays solid technique and footwork. A mainstay at left tackle during his time at North Carolina, Hurst could transition to the right side at the next level.
Prospect reflection: Michael Roos (Eastern Washington), 2005: Second round (41st overall) by Tennessee Titans
83. Zach Mettenberger + (6-5, 235), QB, LSU
Blessed with great size, arm strength and accuracy, Mettenberger has future star written all over him, but after he tore the ACL in his left knee against Arkansas, his draft stock is up in the air.
Prospect reflection: Matthew Stafford (Georgia), 2009: First round (1st overall) by Detroit Lions
82. Michael Sam (6-2, 255), DE, Missouri
Sam is a disruptive pass rusher who has the ability to beat most blockers with his athleticism, range and effective hand use, but he tends to get sacks in bunches and will disappear for games at a time.
Prospect reflection: Trent Cole (Cincinnati), 2005: Fifth round (146th overall) by Philadelphia Eagles
81. Chris Borland (5-11, 246), ILB, Wisconsin
A highly instinctive and aggressive defender who diagnoses the action quickly, Borland is always around the ball and makes plays. He lacks ideal athleticism and stature, but is a steady performer.
Prospect reflection: Paul Posluszny (Penn State), 2007: Second round (34th overall) by Buffalo Bills
80. Jackson Jeffcoat ↓ (6-5, 250), DE, Texas
The son of former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Jim Jeffcoat, Jackson is an intriguing pass rusher who can line up at multiple positions and get after the quarterback. Consistency has always been an issue for Jeffcoat, but in the perfect system he has a chance to be a very productive sack artist.
Prospect reflection: Tim Crowder (Texas), 2007: Second round (56th overall) by Denver Broncos
79. *Dion Bailey (6-0, 200), FS, Southern Cal
A consistent performer who gives maximum effort, Bailey is an athletic, versatile and hard-hitting defender who has a nose for the ball and better-than-average ball skills.
Prospect reflection: Quinton Carter (Oklahoma), 2011: Fourth round (108th overall) by Denver Broncos
78. *La’el Collins (6-5, 315), OT, LSU
Collins is a big, strong lineman with an ideal frame and a developing game that will attract any team looking to groom a young tackle. It may take some time for Collins to reach his full potential, but with the proper coaching he could be something special.
Prospect reflection: Charles Brown (Southern Cal), 2010: Second round (64th overall) by New Orleans Saints
77. Carlos Hyde ↑ (6-0, 235), RB, Ohio State
Hyde is a big, powerful runner who enjoys punishing the opposition with his physical style. He has featured back qualities and possesses good quickness and acceleration. There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Hyde.
Prospect reflection: Eddie Lacy (Alabama), 2013: Second round (61st overall) by Green Bay Packers
76. Seantrel Henderson ↓ (6-8, 345), OT, Miami
It’s hard to ignore the potential that Henderson possesses with his massive frame and brute strength, but his career at Miami has been a disappointment mainly because of his conduct off the field that has led to multiple suspensions. He’s the ultimate “buyer beware,” but if a coach can get him to play up to his ability, look out.
Prospect reflection: Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma), 2009: Second round (54th overall) by Minnesota Vikings
Coming Wednesday: Part 2, Nos. 75-51